Chapter 1 Access
navigation pane
an area of the access window that displays and organizes the names of the objects in the database; from here you open objects for use
object window
an area of the access window that displays open objects, such as tables, queries, forms or reports; by default, each object displays on its own tab
data base
an organized collection of facts about people, events, things or ideas related to a specific topic or purpose
field properties
characteristics of a field that control how the field displays and how data can be entered in the field vary for different data types
data type
classification identifying the kind of data that can be stored in a field, such as numbers text or dates
information
data that is accurate, timely and organized in a useful manner
database management system (DBMS)
database software that controls how related collections of data are stored, organized, retrieved and secured
data
facts about people, events, things or ideas
object tab
in the object window, a tab that identifies the object and which enables you to make an open object active
first principle of a good database design
principle stating that data is organized in tables so that there is no redundant data
export
the process of copying data from one file to another file, such as an access table into an Excel spreadsheet
data source
the table or tables from which a query, form or report gathers its data
destination table
the table to which you import or append data
append
to add to the end of an object; example, to add records to the end of an existing table
link
a connection to data in another file
autoNumber data type
a data type that describes a unique sequential or random number assigned by Access as each record is entered and that is useful for data that has no distinct field that can be considered unique
query
a database object that retrieves specific data from one or more database objects, either tables or other queries, and then, in a single datasheet, displays only the data you specify
blank desktop database
a database that has no data and has no database tools- you must create the data and tools as you need them; the database is stored on your computer or the other storage device
custom web app
a database that you can publish and share with others over the internet
common field
a field included in 2 or more tables that stores the same data
multiple items forms
a form that enables you to display or enter multiple records in a table
property sheet
a list of characteristics, properties, for field or controls on a form or report in which you can make precise changes to each property associated with the field or control
database template
a preformatted database that contains prebuilt table,s queries, forms and reports that perform a specific task such as tracking events
caption
a property setting that displays a name for field in a table, query, form, or report different from the one listed as the field name
primary key
a required field that uniquely identifies a record in a table; for example, a student ID number at a college
flat database
a simple database file that is not related or linked to any other collection of data
field
a single piece of information that is stored in every record; represented by a column in a database table
record
all the categories of data pertaining to one person, place, event, thing or idea; represented by a row in a database table
best fit
an access command that adjusts the width of a column to accommodate the column's longest entry
currency data type
an access data type that describes monetary values and numeric data that can be used in mathematical calculations involving values with 1-4 decimal places
number data type
an access data type that represents a quantity, how much or how many, and may be used in calculations
form
an access object you can use to enter new records in a table or display existing records
design view
an access view that displays the detailed structure of a table, query, form, or report. for forms and reports may be the view in which some tasks must be performed and only the controls and not the data display in this view
navigation area
an area at the bottom of the access window that indicated the number of records in the table and contains controls in the forms of arrows that you click to move along the records
layout view
the access view in which you can make changes to a form or report while the data from the underlying data source displays
form view
the access view in which you can view records, but you cannot change the layout or design of the form
datasheet view
the access view that displays data organized in columns and rows similar to Excel worksheet
populate
the action of filling a database table with records
objects
the basic parts of a database that you create to store your data and to work with your data; for example, tables, queries forms and reports
normalization
the process of applying design rules and principles to ensure that your database performs as expected
import
the process of copying data from another file such as a word table or excel workbook into a separate file, such as access database